12 Most Common and Popular Korean Exclamations

The best way to sound like a native Korean is to use Korean exclamatory expressions or interjections frequently when having a conversation. The exclamations not only make the conversation more engaging but also make your Korean sound more natural and fluent than it really is. 🙂 In this article we will learn 12 most commonly used Korean exclamations.

1. 헐~~ (Pronounced like ‘Hull’)

2. 대박! (Daebak)

WOW! WOAH! That’s Cool! EPIC!
A; I got the first rank in university.
B: 대박~~~ or may be 대~~~~~~~박! (The pronunciation of 대 will be stretched in proportion to amount of surprise) 🙂

3. 아이구/아이고! (Aaigu/Aaigo)

OOPS! Ohh! (Used by older ladies mainly)
아이고 is an interjection used to express mild dismay, chagrin, surprise, etc., as at one’s own mistake, a clumsy act, or social blunder. It is just like saying ‘oops’ in English.
(Similar Expression: 어머나/ 어머)

4. 진짜 or 정말? (Jinch’a or Jeongmal)

Really??? (Use 진짜요/정말요 with older people.)

5. 우와 [u-wa]

Wow!

6. 에이 (ei)

Used when you don’t believe someone. It’s like saying ‘you’re stupid’ or ‘Are you kidding me?’ to someone close
Girl: I think I have gained weight.
Boy: 에이.. 뭐야?

7. 짱 (J’ang)

Awesome, Cool!
A: How is this dress looking?
B: 짱이야.

8. 뭐/뭐라고/네? (Mwo/Mworago/Ne?)

What? What did you say? (They show a feeling of shock or surprise)

‘네?’ is also used where you couldn’t hear something and want the speaker to repeat (like – pardon).

9. 그래요? (geu-rae-yo?)

Is that so?
A: 선생님, 이 책이 진짜 어려워요.
B: 아~ 그래요?

10. 그렇구나/그렇군요 (geu-reo-kuna/ Geu-rao-kunyo)

I see. (Used as an affirmative response.)

A: 선생님, 이 책이 진짜 어려워요.
B: 아~ 그래요?

11. 글쎄/ 글쎄요 (geul-se/geul-seyo)

Well, I am not sure.. (while thinking a response)

A: 수진이 어디 갔어요?
B: 글쎄.. 아마 시장에 간 것 같애.

12. 야! (Ya)

This one word can mean so many things. It’s used to show different types of emotions including affection, frustration, anger etc.

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About Satish Satyarthi

Satish is the Founding Editor of TOPIK GUIDE. He is passionate about helping Korean language learners succeed in TOPIK test and achieve their goals. He has a Masters degree in 'Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language (외국어로서의 한국어교육)' from Seoul National University and is currently pursuing his PhD in Korean language. He has been involved in Korean language teaching and research for more than 6 years.

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